Senate Rejects GOP Bill To Expand Offshore Drilling

Law360, New York (May 18, 2011, 7:29 PM EDT) -- The U.S. Senate again tussled over oil companies and gas prices Wednesday, rejecting Republican-backed legislation aimed at increasing domestic production a day after Democrats' plan to cut subsidies failed.

The Senate overwhelmingly voted against a bill from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that would expand offshore drilling leases and implement a faster permit approval process. The vote, 42 – 57, fell far short of the 60 needed to move the bill forward, with five Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.